James Michalopoulos

James Michalopoulos - American Artist - Publisher at Catty Wompus Press - Restaurantaur - Rum Distiller (Old New Orleans Rum).

Born James Mitchell (1953-present). Ancestors Americanized family name Michalopoulos to Mitchell. Artist starting signing works Michalopoulos in mid 1990s. Best known for creating New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival posters for the years 1998 (Dr. John), 2001 (Louis Armstrong), 2003 (Mahalia Jackson), and 2006 (Fats Domino). Also known for oil paintings depicting scenes where houses lean in shadows of moonlight. Published coffee table books of pictures painted in 1997, and a second book in 2005(hardcover 11x17, Catty Wompus Press). Co-Owner of restaurant Étoile in Covington, Louisiana. Owns distillery Old New Orleans Rum.

James Mitchell studied art at the University of New Orleans, New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts, and Bowdoin College. He graduated from Bowdoin with a Bachelor of Arts in 1974.

Best known for his distinctive architectural renderings, he has created a reputation based on his unique portrayal of the music and energy lurking in houses.

James Michalopoulos lives alternately in New Orleans, New England, Los Angeles and France.

His oil paintings capture the life, movement and personality of these structures. In this spirit his houses live, breathe and move like the people who inhabit them.

His work can be described as expressionistic, gestural, energetic and colorful.

In addition to architectural portraits, Michalopoulos subjects include landscapes, automobiles and figures.

In his capacity as Art Director for House of Blues Productions James Michalopoulos has designed stage sets for the House of Blues in both New Orleans and Los Angeles.

Reviews: James Michalopoulos: Paintings. By D. Eric Bookhardt of New Orleans Gambit magazine 12/06/2005 http://www.bestofneworleans.com/dispatch/2005-12-06/art_rec.php

Artist website: http://www.Michalopoulos.com

Old New Orleans Rum: http://www.neworleansrum.com/home.shtml